Wavering Destiny

Chapter 11: Starless Night

By the time they returned to the palace, everyone was cold, damp, and relieved to be out of the rain.

Princess Kakyuu was horrified by the state of them and quickly sent everyone off to change. After warm baths, dry clothes, and lunch, the group scattered into their own corners of the palace.

Yaten went off to nap, Minako and Rei returned to their room, and Seiya was called back to help with party preparations. Makoto asked Usagi to come hang out with her for a while.

Soon, the dining hall was almost empty. Only Ami and Taiki remained as workers cleared away the plates.

"I finished that book you suggested." Ami pushed her bangs out of her eyes coyly.

"Is that so? I'm glad that you found it to your interest. I have other recommendations to show you if you'd like," Taiki offered, a glint in her amethyst eyes.

"That would be great!"

"Shall we return to the library?"

"How about another game of chess while we're down there?"

"Oh? Is that a challenge?"

"I suppose you could put it like that." Ami chuckled.

"Then I should warn you," Taiki replied. "I learn quickly."

"So do I."

Taiki smiled a little. "Good. That makes it interesting."

Ami looked down to the marble tile as they walked, hoping her face wasn't turning pink.

When they reached the library, Taiki held the door open for her. "After you."

"Thank you." Ami stepped into the quiet oasis. She inhaled the sweet, musty scent of books. It was like home to her. She felt even more at peace when she was with a certain Starlight.

***

"So Mako, what do you wanna do?" Usagi asked, plopping down on the edge of the bed.

Makoto sat near the window, watching the rain trail down the glass. "Whatever is fine. I just didn't want to be alone since Ami went off with Taiki again." She smiled a little. "I'm starting to feel like a third wheel."

Usagi laughed. "I know! We could go look at the garden again." She paused, glancing toward the gray window. "Oh, shoot. It's still raining, isn't it?" She tapped her chin. "How about we just walk around the palace and try not to get lost?"

Makoto played with the ends of her cinnamon curls. "Actually, Usagi, I wanted to ask you about something first..."

"Okay." Usagi pulled her feet up and sat cross-legged on the bedspread.

Makoto turned away from the window. "How long are we going to stay on Kinmoku?"

Usagi blinked and scratched her head. "Oh...well, I'm not exactly sure."

"I was just wondering," Makoto replied. "Of course we'll be here for the party, but I meant after that. The others will start to worry if we don't return soon."

"That's true." Usagi looked down at her hands. "I wouldn't want to worry anyone."

She knew Makoto had a point. They couldn't stay on Kinmoku forever. They had lives waiting for them on Earth. School, friends, home, all of the ordinary things she had been used to before.

But for some reason, the thought of leaving made her chest feel heavy.

After the party, they would have to go home.